Accelerating Australian Coil Manufacturing Through Smart Automation

As demand for our metal detector coils continues to grow across global markets, we’re always looking for smarter, safer and more efficient ways to build them here in Australia. Our latest step is a collaborative robotics project with Flinders University’s Factory of the Future – one set to lift production capacity and improve workplace safety on our Salisbury South factory floor.

The bottleneck: manual gluing of detector covers

One area we identified for improvement was the manual gluing of detector covers – a critical production step that limited the number of units we could manufacture each week. The process also required additional measures to manage hazardous fumes, making it an ideal opportunity to explore automation.

Because every Coiltek coil is handcrafted by our team in Australia, any change to the production line has to protect the standards our coils are known for. Automating the gluing step frees our people up for the skilled work that matters most – and removes a repetitive task that carried a health and safety burden with it.

Partnering with Flinders University’s Factory of the Future

Through the Manufacturing Growth Accelerator (MGA), a South Australian Government initiative, we partnered with Flinders University’s Factory of the Future at the Tonsley Innovation District to investigate how collaborative robotics could improve this part of our production line.

What the feasibility and design study delivered

Together, we completed a feasibility and design study for a collaborative robot workcell capable of automating the gluing process. The project delivered:

•     A validated automation concept

•     A detailed workcell layout

•     Recommendations for the most suitable collaborative robot and dispensing technology

•     A clear implementation roadmap

The outcomes of the study also enabled us to successfully secure funding through the Manufacturing Technology Adoption Program to purchase a collaborative robot, dispensing system and fume management enclosure.

What automation means for detectorists

This project gives us a clear, low-risk pathway to modernise our manufacturing operations while improving workplace safety and increasing production capacity. By implementing the new automated workcell, we’ll be better positioned to:

•     Meet growing international demand across our global dealer network

•     Strengthen our partnerships with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs)

•     Reduce production costs and improve overall efficiency

For detectorists, it comes down to something simple: more of the Coiltek coils you want, available when you want them – with no compromise on the quality and manufacturing standards behind every coil we build.

Investing in Australian-made

As our CEO Natalie Michels explains:

“This project gives us the confidence and clarity to move forward with greater automation to scale globally.”

We’re proud to be investing in advanced manufacturing that supports our team, strengthens our Australian-made products and positions Coiltek for continued growth in export markets.

This project was supported by the Manufacturing Growth Accelerator, an initiative of the Department of State Development, delivered by Flinders University’s Factory of the Future.